Christmas Eve with the Taylors

We went to Jackson on the 23rd and woke up there on Christmas Eve

The boys sampling while we cooked 

Me and Meridth were scarf twins 

Logan reading the kids a book while we waited to eat 

Rhett in one of Caleb's old outfits - so cute! 

Baby Winfield arrived - all the cousins were happy to meet him! 

After lunch, the kids made their piles of presents and waited to open... 

Ready to see what they got! 

Cousin lovin' 

With their new cousin - 8 now! 

Phyllis opening her gifts - we all missed GG!

Corey got a new tool - not sure what kind? 

Monopoly for the kids 

Rhett taking the wrapping paper out of the trash bag 

The Taylors open presents oldest to youngest - so the older ones were done and helping Jules 

And then they helped Rhett 

and then they helped Mason with Winfield's presents! 

The older kids got virtual reality glasses - it was so funny to watch!

Ice cream break before heading over to MeMa's House 

Present time at MeMa's house 

Ella and Jules - ready for round #2 

All the kids got a box of soap - with $20 in it! 

NC State basketball goal 

Baby Alive - she was so excited! 

Ella also got a water baby from Jessica - this girl does love her babies! 

Caleb got a drone 

Feeding her baby alive - and she named her Kiera 

Susan played a game and we all drew a present

They were all lottery tickets - she would buy them back for $30 or you could scratch them and see what you won!  Corey got his $30.  I scratched mine but didn't win anything!  Logan won the most winning $110. 

Showing Susan her present - she was excited! 

Propane heater 

The boys playing with Cole's legos 

Kiera in her baby Bjourn with her mommy Ella 

We came home and Caleb got the cookies and milk ready for Santa - Ella was already asleep!

With our stash from the Taylor side of the family  - now time for Santa!

Life Lately - Week of Christmas

Monday

Ella's class had their Christmas party 

With some of her buddies, Micah and Joesy 

In her classroom with how Christmas is celebrated in different countries  

With their gingerbread village 

With her bag of goodies by the Christmas tree

She was so excited to show me the presents she made for us at school

We ran around and got gift cards for the teachers after school 

Ella showing me all of her cute crafts she made at school

Deacon Christmas Party at Strickland and Dale - yummy food and beautiful decorations!

Tuesday 

Caleb brought home some Christmas crafts he made at school 

Love my little decorations 

Our presents from Ella - gingerbread man for Daddy and fingerprint ornament for Mommy 

Wednesday

Pajama Day, Party Day and Early Release = Happy Boy! 

Christmas party time for Caleb's class 

With his buddies, Eli and Grayson

Kids got out of school at 1 and we headed to meet our newest nephew/cousin 

Winfield is here!  With mommy Jessica and proud big sister Jules 

Such a cutie! 

Proud aunt 

and uncle! 

Sweet little chunky monkey - 8 pds 9 ozs! 

We rushed back to go Christmas caroling with church - Ella and Leah were into it 

Caleb and Davis - loved riding the school bus 

A bus full!

Caroling is a sweet tradition - love seeing their faces light up as we sing!

Thursday

Annual cookie decorating day 

The little girls working on a craft 

The big kids decorating cookies 

Ella making her craft 

Caleb with his plate of decorated cookies 

Their turn to decorate cookies 

It was such a nice day so we played outside - the whole crazy crew!

We got the bunnies out and let them hop around it was so nice! 

With their treat - they love weeds :) 

Ella requested Christmas fingernails - she was so happy when I painted them!

That night we had Christmas with the Crazy Crew at Mrs. Wendy's House

Justin and his personal "white trash" 

Kids by Mrs. Wendy's tree 

Owen and Kent chillin 

The bigger kids played Monopoly 

Sweet littlest ones - Brooklynn and Emmalyn

Mrs. Wendy decorated a cross that dad had made for mom 

Three amigos 

Crazy Crew 

All the kids 

Every year Mrs. Lori would write dad a poem - she kept the tradition up :)

It read ...

Star of wonder, Star of bright

We are missing a star tonight!

Our John was a special man, His love and memory will forever stand.

Its not the same without him here, but we have so much of him to hold dear.

He wouldn't want us to be sad or cry, He definitely wouldn't want us to ask why.

He would tell us to go on and live, to do for others, love and give.

He had a heart as big as a house, but we all know he wasn't as quiet as a mouse.

He loved to talk and tell you jokes, You would laugh so hard that you would choke.

He was funny but serious too, He loved us all and would always say "Be careful and you know I love you"

In memory of John - We love you my buddy and sweetheart

Love - Lori

Ella partied too hard! 

Friday

Spa day with Audrey - arranged by our hubbies!

It was a wonderful relaxing time, spent with a wonderful friend who has really been there for me this year.  We haven't had the best of years but hoping 2017 is better for both of us!